Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 01/03/1992
Run Time: 52:48
Probably the first album to successfully merge the seemingly disparate sounds of rap and heavy metal,
Rage Against the Machine's self-titled debut was groundbreaking enough when released in 1992, but many would argue that it has yet to be surpassed in terms of influence and sheer brilliance -- though countless bands have certainly tried. This is probably because the uniquely combustible creative relationship between guitar wizard
Tom Morello and literate rebel vocalist
Zack de la Rocha could only burn this bright, this once. While the former's roots in '80s heavy metal shredding gave rise to an inimitable array of six-string acrobatics and rhythmic special effects (few of which anyone else has managed to replicate), the latter delivered meaningful rhymes with an emotionally charged conviction that suburban white boys of the ensuing nu-metal generation could never hope to touch. As a result, syncopated slabs of hard rock insurrection like
"Bombtrack," "Take the Power Back," and
"Know Your Enemy" were as instantly unforgettable as they were astonishing. Yet even they paled in comparison to veritable clinics in the art of slowly mounting tension such as
"Settle for Nothing," "Bullet in the Head," and the particularly venomous
"Wake Up" (where
Morello revises
Led Zeppelin's
"Kashmir" riff for his own needs) -- all of which finally exploded with awesome power and fury. And even listeners who were unable (or unwilling) to fully process the band's unique clash of muscle and intellect were catered to, as
RATM were able to convey their messages through stubborn repetition via the fundamental challenge of
"Freedom" and their signature track,
"Killing in the Name," which would become a rallying cry of disenfranchisement, thanks to its relentlessly rebellious mantra of "Fuck you, I won't do what you tell me!" Ultimately, if there's any disappointment to be had with this near-perfect album, it's that it still towers above subsequent efforts as the unequivocal climax of
Rage Against the Machine's vision. As such, it remains absolutely essential.
~Eduardo Rivadavia, All Music Guide
Average Review:
Number of reviews: 1
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Mike Stras
from Venice, FL
Brutal and Riot Inspiring
This album is priceless. Every single song is explosive with an unexplainable anger. When you listen to this music, you are filled with an instant urge to just act violently. Now, I say that not in a bad way. I say that in wonder. Truly, this music strikes your soul and gves to an energy unlike any other. Tracks like "Bullet in the Head" and "Killing in the Name" are steady and heavy. I recomend this album if you truly enjoy hardcore without any doublebass pedals or high-pitch screaming. The lyrics are passionate and the music is blunt. Both of them together will spilt your skull.
;)
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